Your garage door is an integral part of your house’s overall structure. It gets a lot of beating: rain, wind, and sun are just a few elements that can damage your garage door. Worst yet, it exposes your home to possible break-ins. Keeping your garage door in good condition should always be a priority. You should be regularly maintaining your garage door.
Otherwise, it will lead to bigger problems that you may be unable to ignore. Remember, these doors aren’t made of cardboard and are prone to malfunction. They have springs, rollers, and hinges, all of which can cause trouble when left unattended for long periods. You could potentially save yourself from a big problem by scheduling a residential garage door repair. Don’t wait for the inevitable to happen. Read on to learn the signs that your garage door needs maintenance and how you maintain a garage door.
What are the Signs That a Garage Door Needs Maintenance?
While a garage door may not seem like the most complicated part of your home, it is essential to your home’s safety. A well-maintained garage door lasts longer and gives you many years of peace of mind. Here are some signs that it is time to call in the garage door professionals:
The Opening System
When your garage door’s motor or counterbalance system is not working properly, it can cause many problems. The first thing to look for is whether or not there are any loose cables or a loose motor chain; also, look for signs of fraying. If you notice any of these issues, you may need someone to come out and inspect the cables, and in some cases, this might require replacement. Do not attempt to repair the counterbalance system or garage door cables unless you have expirence with this repair.
Another thing that might indicate a problem with your garage door’s opening system is if it takes longer than usual for the door to close after someone presses the button. It could be due to other factors such as broken springs/rollers/bearings, which would require different repairs.
Debris Build Up
Debris build-up can cause your garage door to get stuck and even break. The most common cause of debris build-up is leaves and dirt caught in your garage door tracks. If you live in an area with lots of trees, this is something you’ll want to keep an eye out for.
Another reason debris might accumulate on your garage door tracks is if
you lubricate inside the track at some point, which is a common mistake that might help in the short run. Still, after lubrication dries out, it will become sticky and attract debris, causing the opposite outcome. The debris and gunk might cause the garage door to jam while moving up or down, causing the garage door to go off track.
Unusual Noises
If you hear a grinding or squealing noise when you open or close your garage door, it could indicate something wrong with the springs, cables, or rollers. It can also signify something like a motor gear going bad.
Rusty Parts
Rust can weaken the metal and cause damage to other parts of your system if not addressed quickly by a professional in addition, rust can cause moving parts or bearings to jam shut.
How Do You Maintain a Garage Door?
Garage door Preventive maintenance is the best way to minimize the chances of your garage door breaking down without notice. The following are some of the most common procedures and tips that you can use to maintain your garage doors.
- Clean the outside of the door regularly. Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust from the door’s surface. If possible, wash it with warm soapy water, rinse it with clean water and dry it with a towel. It will help protect your door from water damage and other types of damage caused by dirt, dust, or insects such as termites.
- Inspect all hinges, handles, locks, and other hardware attached to your garage doors regularly (at least once every six months). If you notice any problem with these parts, like broken locks or cracked hinges that do not work correctly, you should contact an expert who can repair or replace them. Inspect your doors regularly. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you see something that seems out of place, get it checked out by a professional so that you don’t end up dealing with a bigger problem down the road.
- Lubricate hinges once every six months. Use silicone-free grease, lithium-based grease, or similar products designed specifically for this purpose. It will help keep them moving smoothly without getting stuck or seizing over time due to friction between parts or normal wear and tear.
- You should also have your garage door serviced if it begins to squeak when opening and closing because this indicates too much friction between the door and its tracks or rollers, leading to damage and excessive wear over time.
- Check for garage door balance. If the door becomes slow opening and closing, disengage from the motor and lift the door to the halfway open position; if the door drop or goes up on its own, your door is not balanced and requires attention,
How Often Can I Service My Garage Door?
If you use your garage door 2-4 times a day, You should have your garage door serviced at least once a year.
It includes routine maintenance, as well as replacing worn parts or wheels/rollers. You may need to replace the springs in your garage door if they break or cant hold the garage door’s weight anymore.
When determining how often you should have your garage door serviced, there are things to consider.
- Consider the age of your garage door. The older it is, the more likely it is to need repairs and maintenance.
- Evaluate how often you use your garage door and open and close it. If you use it daily, it will need more frequent maintenance than someone who only opens and closes the garage door several times a week.
- Check the weather conditions where you live to determine whether your garage door needs a little extra maintenance due to harsh weather conditions like rain or snow.
Regular maintenance and inspection are the best ways to keep your garage door running well for years. The spring will eventually wear down and cause your door to be heavy. Time and weather will take their toll on your garage door as well. Make sure to keep an eye on your garage doors throughout the year as part of comprehensive home safety and security plan. Check out https://titangaragedoors.ca/garage-doors/residential for more information about residential garage doors, whether you are looking for a new one or just doing some research. We provide commercial and residential garage door services for all our customers.
Titan Garage Doors ,
604-313-0108
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